Even though Minister Montoro promises that Spain will meet its deficit goal this year, recent analyst expectations suggest that the government will go over budget by 3.61%, which is only two tenths of a point from its 3.8% annual goal.
Plus, Social Security filings are worse than expected and could push the deficit a tenth of a point higher than the 1.4% prediction. And four regional governments are set to miss their budget targets as well.
Montoro is walking on thin ice, because any unexpected problem could compromise Spain's chances to meet the budget goal. The walk to the end of the year would have been a lot more secure if public sector reforms were not delayed.